The 3 Ingredients of a Meaningful Life + Why Most People Miss Two: with NYU Professor Suzy Welch

What does it actually mean to live your purpose—and why do so many people feel lost trying to find it? In this episode, NYU Stern professor and Becoming You author Suzy Welch breaks down why popular advice like “follow your passion” and “have it all” often leads to confusion, burnout, and dissatisfaction. Suzy offers a practical, research-backed framework for building a meaningful, productive life. Suzy and Danielle explore values, identity, grief, ambition, motherhood, and why knowing yourself may be the most important skill in a rapidly changing world. In this episode, Suzy shares:

• Why most people misunderstand what “purpose” actually means
• The difference between values, virtues, skills, and aptitudes
• How borrowing values—from parents, partners, or culture—keeps people stuck
• Why happiness is fleeting, but meaning and productivity endure
• The research behind living in alignment with your purpose
• Why “follow your passion” is often harmful career advice
• How economic viability plays a critical role in fulfillment
• The myth of being a multihyphenate all at once—and why focus matters
• What Suzy calls the “Cowbell Syndrome” (and why you have to choose)
• Why you can’t have it all at the same time—and why that realization is freeing
• How motherhood and career ambition collide biologically and culturally
• The difference between a successful life and a meaningful one (and why they’re not separate)
• Why consistency is key to professional success
• How knowing yourself creates adaptability in an unpredictable world
• Why becoming who you are is a lifelong process, not a finish line

Check out Suzy’s book Becoming You

Follow Suzy on Instagram @suzywelch

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